Run Linux, lose warranty

Laura Breeden bought a new Compaq Presario C304NR notebook in January. She bought it because she wanted to get rid of Windows and all the malware that surrounds it and move to Linux, and her old laptop lacked the memory and power to run Ubuntu Edgy. The salespeople assured her that the C304NR was "Linux ready." But they didn't tell her that running Linux would void her warranty. HP has since clarified their warranty policy.

Click here!
Until recently, she's been happy with it, and with Ubuntu Edgy. But a couple of weeks ago she began having keyboard problems. The keyboard is misbehaving when she begins to type quickly: keys are sticking and the space bar does not always respond when pressed.

When she called Compaq -- the unit comes with a one-year warranty on the hardware -- they asked what operating system she was running. When she told them Linux, they said, "Sorry, we do not honor our hardware warranty when you run Linux." In order to get warranty service, she was told, she would have to remove Linux and reinstall the original OS.

Laura is not a software engineer, but she failed to see how her choice of operating system could damage the keyboard. Furthermore, there isn't a word about the subject on the Compaq C304NR Web page -- nothing to alert consumers to the fact that if they chose a reliable, secure operating system like Linux instead of Windows, they would lose their rights to service under warranty.

She bought the notebook from Best Buy, and they did their best to sell her a maintenance contract ($200 for three years). But since the notebook only cost $549, she thought that was a lot of money to add to the purchase price, and she also thought that she could depend on the Compaq warranty.

I've been tracking this story for a couple of weeks with a PR rep from Hewlett-Packard Customer Service, who has been trying to "do the right thing" by Laura. There has been some discussion of swapping her unit with an HP notebook which is available with Linux preinstalled, but after a couple of weeks of back and forth, nothing has changed.

The PR rep told me, after wading through all the terms and conditions attached to the notebook's warranty, that "it is impossible to anticipate every single issue that a customer can face, so the terms and conditions of warranties can't list every possible scenario. Usually if a customer installs a different OS, it has a big impact on the PC and will void the warranty. However, since the OS couldn't have been responsible for keys sticking on a notebook keyboard, I think this is an exception to the rule." She also asserts that Compaq's "warranty terms and conditions are in line with the rest of the industry."

I have a feeling that she is correct about that. Gateway and Dell have both declined to respond to queries about their own warranty coverage in a similar scenario. Tier one manufacturers like Dell and HP are locked up in double-blind secrecy about their marketing deals with Microsoft, like the ones that keep them from offering preinstalled Linux like their customers are demanding, or even from offering machines without an OS installed at all.

Laura's problem will probably come to a satisfactory end: the return of the merchandise for a full refund, or a swap for a unit that is offered with Linux in the first place. But the bigger problem is that Microsoft's tentacles are still obvious in choking a free marketplace, and the tier one manufacturers are still submissive to and complicit in Microsoft's enterprise.

enterprise.linux.com

What Is The Price Of Your Computer's Security?

An Associated Press (AP) report recently stated that security products still sell despite the widespread availability of free software. Falling under the category of security would be anti virus software, anti spyware software, email spam blockers, firewalls and the like. The article points out that many internet service providers give out some form of free versions of these computer security products but still, security vendors are moving forward with the release of their latest line of products.

Consumer behavior can sometimes be an extremely complicated puzzle to analyze. But clearly, this news article actually reflects a seriousness among consumers in protecting their personal computers. A few years ago, the concept of computer security was not even in most consumers' radar screen which could have probably contributed to the proliferation of viruses, worms, trojans and other forms of malicious software.

Free computer security products actually have been available to the consumer for a number of years. It all starts when the consumer buys a computer system. The computer system vendor usually bundles a CD-ROM that contains the usual necessities such as browsers, pdf readers, system monitor tools and an OEM version of an anti virus program. OEM version (as against retail version) stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, and these products can be described in simple terms as bare bones programs. OEM products are sold by the manufacturer (for example, the anti virus company) to the computer system vendor at greatly reduced cost and that is why the vendor can afford to pass it on to the consumer for free. But to reduce the cost may necessarily mean reducing functionality, meaning less features or no operating manual, etc.

Perhaps learning from bad experiences in the past with computer viruses, it is evident from the AP report that consumers simply do not want to place their computers, which may contain sensitive personal information, at risk. That is indeed a good sign because it simply cannot be emphasized enough that the threats to computer security are a reality. If you own one of those fancy firewall programs that provide real-time reports on the IP addresses of computers sniffing at your computer, you will surely agree that every other minute some rogue on the internet is trying to poke into your computer.

Almost all of these anti virus vendors now provide an entire suite of computer security programs. This means that aside from the anti virus program itself, you also get a firewall, email spam blocker or filter, and anti spyware all integrated into it. All these programs have a built-in scheduler that will download updates without regular user intervention, a feature that the free software may not have. This reflects an attitude among consumers that they do not mind spending a few dollars more for the convenience. After all, a computer is supposed to enhance productivity and spending time tinkering on each security software certainly takes away from it.

For those still deciding on which vendor to purchase from, the decision could not be any simpler. All the security vendors offer free downloads of trial versions of their products. The trial versions usually offer you an entire month to use their products before some of the key functions are disabled. Some vendors are also given bragging rights by reputable consumer groups through the form of awards of excellence in their industry.

Similar to test driving an automobile before buying, go ahead and test drive a security product before deciding on the one that is right for you. In today's wired world, you certainly should put your foot down on those nosey enough to pry into the privacy of your personal computer.

Understanding computer viruses

Practically each one with a computer intended to speak about the viruses of computer, but not each one knows exactly what are they or the viruses can affect their computer. A virus is small, individual-folding up the program which invades your system by an attachment, a remote loading, or a Web site of E-mail.
People create viruses for various reasons, extending from the soft rascals to the malevolent destruction. Consequently, the effects of a virus can change to obstruct moderately with estropier absolutely. Does the virus of Wazzu, for example, stick to the documents of Microsoft Word and inserts the word of nonsense “? wazzu? ” in the document and rearranges the random cords of the words.
A virus such as this one is certainly annoying, but not necessarily catastrophic. Some viruses can be, however, to threaten much more serious to destroy data or to even erase your whole hard order. Such a virus drew aside by E-mail, Worm.ExploreZip, order of catches of the system of E-mail of the infected computer and answers automatically all the entering messages of mail. It also sends the destructive E-mail attachments which can erase certain types of files. The viruses can be harmful, but it is also important to include/understand the part which you play by propagating them.
The viruses generally do not invade a computer without action of user. In other words, you placed the loose virus on your own computer by opening infected programs or files. If you take some care, such as not opening attachments of email of the unknown sources and software running of antivirus, you can reduce the risk to the minimum to infect your own computer.
Types of virus While familiarizing itself with the types of viruses which exist, you will be able to better prevent them.
The viruses of program stick to the achievable files such as files of .exe. Each time you carry out the program, the virus reproduces and of the fasteners to other programs. The division of the programs with other computers, by the disc or on a network, draws aside these types of virus. You are also in danger to this type of virus when you download applications of the Internet.
Macro viruses are contained in the macro orders for programs such as the Microsoft Word and the Excel. Perhaps the most widespread type of virus, they stick to the files (in opposition to the programs) and are certain the viruses hardest to detect. You can learn more about the special dangers posed by these viruses in the way in which are the macro viruses different from others?
The viruses of sector of initialization infect the particular files on your hard order which carry out when you initialize your computer. When you initialize starting from the infected disc, the virus of sector of initialization sticks to the files of initialization on your hard order.
The horses of Trojan are not viruses by definition because they are not folded up. They, however, have the same potential to damage your order lasts if they go not detected. They arrive typically in email with a vague subjected line or a promise of entertainment. When to leave loosely, the Trojan Horse - just like its homonym in Greek mythology - presents a group of nondesired attackers which can limit the dégats on your hard order.

Guide To Computer Security

Since you're reading this article, you're already connected to the Internet. You've probably already thought about security on your computer or network. Every day seems to bring new threats and it can seem pretty daunting, but the key thing is to have a common sense approach and to take a few basic precautions.

There are lots of great tools available to help and you don't have to break the bank to get them. Here are some areas to take a look at:

BACKUPS

Securing your information starts here. You'll need some or all of the security tools listed below, but even then you can't guarantee 100% that you won't have a problem. Hardware failures do occur so backup your data. One easy way to keep your important files is to burn them onto CD or DVD.

ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE

An absolute must have. Alright, you already knew that, but I can't stress too strongly the importance of having good, up-to-date antivirus software. With new threats and Viruses arriving every day it's important to maintain update subscriptions and download virus definition updates as soon as they become available.

There's a lot of good antivirus software available, both free and for low cost. I'd recommend going for paid software...you just never know when you're going to need to call a helpdesk and that's generally the difference between the free stuff and the stuff you pay for. Norton, McAfee, AVG and others all sell antivirus software that's affordable on a low budget.

FIREWALL

A firewall is always recommended to help protect against unauthorized access to your PC. For a small number of PCs a software firewall is usually best and is the easiest to work with if you're not an IT expert. However, don't discount hardware firewalls, especially if you have a network with a lot of devices on it.

Whatever you do, don't rely on the Network Address Translation or packet filter built in to your ADSL or Cable router. It almost certainly won't be enough.

If you're buying a particular company's Antivirus software it's worth considering buying their integrated AV and firewall package if they have one (if they don't then maybe you should try someone else). It may well save you money and be easier to configure and maintain.

ANTI-SPYWARE SOFTWARE

If you spend a lot of time browsing the Web (and let's face it, who doesn't?), then spyware is going to find its way onto your machine. A lot of it isn't particularly nasty, but the really bad stuff can send important information like passwords, bank details or credit card numbers to people you really don't want to have access to that stuff. At the very least it can slow down your PC and since you didn't ask for it in the first place then you should get rid of it.

Some tell-tail signs that you have a Spyware infection are:

- You're getting pop-up ads all the time

- Your default homepage or other settings in your browser suddenly change (especially if you can't change them back)

- Your computer is slow (there could be other reasons for this, but it's worth checking for spyware)

There's some good free software available from Lavasoft called AdAware. Microsoft also have their own free tool for Windows users called Windows Defender. Among the paid-for Anti-Spyware software Webroot's

Spy Sweeper regularly picks up awards from computer magazines.

PASSWORDS

More and more people are accessing secure sites for shopping, banking, etc. Provided you take sensible precautions it's a great way to shop.

If you've been doing any online shopping you'll be used to dealing with secure sites. Whatever methods these sites use to secure their servers or encrypt your traffic, if they're accessed by passwords then you share some of the responsibility for the security on your transactions. Here are a few tips on how to keep unauthorised users from accessing your accounts:

- Be inventive with your passwords. Don't use easy to guess stuff that a lot of people know about you or can find out. Use a mixture of uppercase and lowercase characters, numbers and special characters (again be inventive. Just using a 1 instead of the letter i is no use if it still spells out an easy to guess word).

- Use different passwords for different accounts. If you always use the same one and it's compromised then someone will have access to everything.

- Don't write passwords down on paper or post-it notes. That's a hacker's favourite way to find passwords if they have physical access to your office.

- Don't get Web browsers to remember your passwords on shared machines or in office areas. If you log into a machine that other users have access to then never use Windows or Web browser mechanisms that remember your account details.

Having different passwords to lots of different accounts does make it more difficult to remember them and it's important that this doesn't lead you into bad habits. So what do you do?

You could look at getting some password management software. Naturally, Norton has a password manager, but other good options include "Web Replay" from Deskperience or "PC Password Manager XP" from CPLab.

WHERE TO NOW?

You don't have to go out and buy every piece of security software right away. Prioritise one or two to start with (I'd suggest Antivirus and Firewall software). Also download trial versions so you can be sure you're happy with them before you part with your hard earned cash.

Be careful on the Internet, but don't let it spoil your day.

Tomorrow will be a new draft GPL 3

On Wednesday launched a new cycle of disputes over the future of the open-source license, General Public License, which will last 90 days.
The third proposed to discuss the draft version of GPL 3 will buy 7 am PDT. The GPL version 2 regulates the rights and limitations of many open-source projects and free-software, including such well-known as the Linux kernel, Java, and the MySQL database.
According to Brett Smith, engineer license matched the Free Software Foundation, 60 days after the third discussion draft is expected "late" project, and then have 30 days will GPL 3.
"Before we publish the final version of the license, we want to hear the views of as many members of the community of free software," says Smith, issued a statement Monday in the mail. "We manage the production process of the projects in such a way as to guarantee that every interested party the opportunity to be heard."
Initially, a new version of the license scheduled for March, and now he moved almost three months. One of the reasons for the delay was the announcement of the patent agreement between Microsoft and Novell, which Microsoft pledged not to sue with customers Novell Linux for violating patents. The project would not interfere production software GPL under such conditions, but FSF founder Richard Stollman believes that the organization must find a way to prevent it.
"A second discussion draft GPL 3 resigned eight months ago, in July 2006. We never planned such a large span of time between public issues license. But we considered it important before continuing process to discuss a number of issues, including the recent patent agreement between Novell and Microsoft, "says Smith.
The main question was whether the GPL 2 and 3 GPL compatible, commented member of the legal profession and other participants in the GPL 3, a lawyer DLA Piper Mark Radcliff. If compatibility ON issued one license, can be used in projects controlled by the other. Otherwise, there will be a mass of problems and the chances of a split into two areas controlled by differing versions of the licence.
Linux founder Linus produced strongly to the draft GPL 3, in his current form and ideological principles FSF. He did not like the item to digital rights management, which requires a code or content can be used in any equipment.
Hewlett-Packard also expressed concern about an item on the patents. On the other hand, Sun Microsystems's GPL 3, and plans to use the license to Java and OpenSolaris.

securitylab.ru

RIAA make ten-year-old girl to testify against mother

American Association of Recording label demanded that the ten-year-old daughter living Oregon Tani Andersen, RIAA accused of illegally downloading music via the Internet, gave evidence in court. At that the girl took part in the trial insisted members of the RIAA labels Atlantic, Priority, Capitol, UMG and BMG.
In a statement to the involvement of the child to the case, the plaintiffs argued that the testimony of Kylie Andersen in court presentavleut them interesting, as it may own eyes saw her mother was fajloobmenom. At the same time, at the time of the persecution studios Tani Andersen, her daughter was only seven years old.
Recall that the RIAA argues that Tania Anderson has fajloobmenna network Kazaa to download music, as it caused extensive damage. I want to stress to the court for a criminal case.
The Andersen said that fajloobmenom itself, and even the RIAA to check its computer, which refused Association. Subsequently, the RIAA Rock and tried to get a court permission to inspect PC accused, but it was too late. Now, on the advice of the judges, the computer will Andersen independent expert, and will be followed by a hearing in the case. In addition, the Andersen lawyer Lori Leibek filed against the RIAA counter-claim on the basis of Oregon legislation RICO; Under it, the suit accused Leibek Association in the invasion of privacy, racketeering and fraud.

securitylab.ru

Symantec pumps up Windows Mobile protection

Symantec is preparing to launch a mobile-security suite for Windows Mobile devices that it says will offer the same level of security for handhelds as is standard for PCs.

Symantec Mobile Security Suite 5.0, due in May, is set to include antivirus, data encryption and firewall protection, as well as an enterprise management console for IT administrators, the security company said in a statement Monday. It will add to the functionality of the company's current Mobile AntiVirus product.

The software suite will also offer an add-on to let users connect to corporate networks through IPSec VPN tunnels, and network access control so IT administrators can make sure that only the right devices are connecting to the corporate network.

Administrators will be able to use the suite to enable or disable Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and device syncing, and to verify whether the device's security applications have been tampered with.

The issue of mobile security has proved controversial in the past, with accusations that mobile threats are overhyped.

A consumer version of the enterprise Mobile Security Suite, called Norton Mobile Security, is also planned for a May release. It will include many of the enterprise version's elements, with the exception of its VPN capabilities, Symantec said.

zdnet.com

Programming "BUG"

A little humor to relax.
Want to restore the existing bug? It's very easy. I, as an experienced programmer who tell you this for one minute. Open standard notepad, write it 'bug' - without spaces or quotes, small letters, but did not succeed. Store received masterpiece under the name bug.exe. Your first bug ready, you can run! Must have console with randomly moving the cursor. Pressing any key nature of the cursor changing. They say the spread and impact printer :) I have to XP works may yet anyone running.
P.S. I do not own all of this man, the original anekdot.ru proposes to recruit 'bugoga'. But this first time, and, secondly, did not adequately describe the changes in the subsoil Windows processes, as does my version :)
P.P.S. Sometimes, in order to bug it would be necessary to run two copies. Have fun!

Symantec explains world that Windows is most safe OS

Symantec was forced, in order to permit that its long-term hostile Microsoft dispatches at present the safest operating system out there. Symantecs says 11. Internet security threat report that, if he comes too to most used operating systems Microsoft better entire than its competitors does - if it any has. According to Internet messages Symantec found that Windows few and the shortest average mark development the time of the five operating systems had number marks, which she supervised in the last six months of 2006. During this time more than 39 vulnerability in the operating system was found and to Wühlmaus lasted an average from 21 days, in order to regulate it. While this still more as if is, last year knocked it still the points away from the competition. The following best implementing was red hat Linux, which took to the address total quantity of 208 vulnerability to an average from 58 days. Symantec underlined that vulnerability was not as strict in the red hat as those, which were found in volume commodity. It precipitates that the selfannounced was good hyper+safe Mac OSX below Windows despite its sanctimonious Werbekampagnen, which said differently. There were 43 vulnerability in Mac OS X and in 66 a daily return on shiftingnesses. Only one was prioritär and Apple took on average 37 days to repair to it. HP-UX von Hewlett-Packard and Solaris of the sun were both largest security danger. HP-UX had 98 vulnerability to the half second of 06 and took 101 days, in order to regulate it. Sun, took on average 122 days embarrassment 63 to vulnerability.

theinquirer.net

Skype malware does the circulation

WEBSENSE SECURITY LABS cross driver against viruses and e-annoyances, has sussed out dodgy a new piece of the code, which spreads over the Skype net. The code sends Skype users to announcement a measured value "examination up this", plus dodgy a URL with one hypertext left attached. Surprise surprise, if a user enough become stupid, too go in clickin' them inventively the file_01.exe mentioned are readdressed. This does not seem, a main threat too to be clued up user, however, as rattert is requested, in order to let the document run. Include other document name gdi32.exe, ndis.exe and sk.exe also. If you the document naturally to run leaves does it annoying things. If it is opened, that sends the same announcement to Trojan to all contacts on friend list of a user, not for mentioning trying to attach to a Yahoo mail server in order to send smtp an announcement. The programmers seem however with a work operator go leaving, the Web scythe are informed the aggressor computed, if a machine were successfully stuck on. To a screen SHOT and more information about the Warezov/Stration based trojans, precede on here.

theinquirer.net

Virus scan freeware. Part One.

Check suspicious file

Integrated verification 27th antivirus Avast, AVG, Avira, BitDefender, Cat-QuickHeal, ClamAV, Command AV, DrWeb, eSafe, eTrust-Iris, eTrust-Vet, Ewido, Fortinet, F-Prot, Ikarus, Kaspersky, McAfee, NOD32v2, Microsoft, Norman, Panda, Prevx1, Sophos, Sunbelt, Sybari, The Hacker, VBA32
Integrated verification 15th antivirus AntiVir, Arcabit, Avast, AVG, BitDefender, ClamAV, Novell, F-Prot Antivirus, Fortinet, Kaspersky Anti-Virus, NOD32, Norman Virus Control, UNA, VirusBuster, VBA32
Integrated checking shoppers antivirus AVZ, VBA32
Check Anti Kaspersky
Check DrWeb or install the browser plug-in for verification
Check Avast
Check Ikarus
Check ClamAV
Check VBA32
Check UNA
Check Fortinet
Check Stocona Antivirus
Check RAV Antivirus


Check your computer for viruses

Online
Check Safety Microsoft Live (beta)
Check Antivirus Kaspersky
Check VirusChaser (DrWeb engine)
Check Panda Antivirus
Check BitDefender
Check TrendMicro HouseCall
Check Symantec Norton AntiVirus
Check McAfee (only detection)
Check Mks_vir
Check eTrust
F-Secure
Check ArcaVir
Check Ahnlab MyV3
Check Anti-Freedom
Check V3ProDeluxe
Check Command On Demand (F-Prot engine)
Check PC Pitstop
Check StopSign AntiVirus
Check Rising Antivirus
Check HAURI (only detection)
Check Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

Offline (download free or trial version and check system)

Check Antivirus Kaspersky 15 days
Check virus CureIT! 4.33free
Check VBA32console beta
Check McAfee VirusScan 15 days
Check BitDefender v8 free
Check NOD32 30 days
Check NOD32 Anti-Virus Scanner (Express verification) free
Check F-Prot Antivirus trial
Check professional AntiVirusKit (+ BitDefender Kaspersky) trial
Check AntiVir Personal free
Check AntiVir Command line scanner free
Check Stocona Antivirus v3
Check ClamWin free
Check Anti-Stop! Free Edition 4.10 free
Check avast! 4 Home Edition free, fill in the form for registration
Check Sophos Anti-Virus, fill in the form
Check CyberScrub 15 days, requires e-mail
Check Protector Plus 30 days, requires the name and e-mail
Check AVG AntiVirus 30 days
Check AVG Free edition free
Check Antidote free
Check BullGuard 14 days
Check Solo AntiVirus 30 days
Check Agnitum Tauscan (on the horses) 30 days
Check Trojan remover (on the horses) 30 days
Check PC DoorGuard (on the horses) 30 days
Check Digital Scanner Patrol 30 days
Check TrojanFindInfo and send logs to KasperskyLab


Check your computer for Rootkit

Check AVZ free
Check AVG Anti-Rootkit beta
Check IceSword free
Check BitDefender RootkitUncover beta
Check GMER free
Check Helios beta requires. NET Framework 2.0
Check HiddenFinder trial
Check DarkSpy beta
Check F-Secure BlackLight trial
Check RootkitRevealer (only detection) free
Check Sophos Anti-Rootkit beta
Check VICE free
Check System Virginity Verifier
Check Process Hunter free
Check Process Master free
Check RKDetector (console) free
Check Rootkit Unhooker free
Check Seemfree
Check UnHackMe trial
Check antikit (console only detection) free
Check Klister (console, Windows 2000) free
Check Flister (console only detection) free
Check RootKit Hook Analyzer (only detection) free

Original post in Russian - Virusinfo.info